Studies of Foodborne Pathogens in Small Specialty Farms
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to award a Sole Source Firm Fixed Price contract to the University of Vermont, UVM Extension - Agricultural Engineering for Studies of Foodborne Pathogens in Small Specialty Farms. This is a Special Notice, not a request for competitive proposals, but interested parties may submit capability statements. Responses are due April 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contract aims to acquire follow-on scientific services for the FDA's Office of Applied Microbiology and Technology (OAMT). The objective is to evaluate sources and transmission routes of human pathogens in agricultural environments (fresh produce farms) to inform food safety practices and minimize contamination risks on small specialty farms in the Northeast. Key activities include:
- Collecting and analyzing environmental samples (soil, compost, water, swabs) using FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) methods.
- Coordinating research with academic collaborators and OAMT personnel.
- Communicating findings to farmers and stakeholders in the Northeast region.
- Leveraging NECAFS's role as a USDA/FDA-funded regional food safety center.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Firm Fixed Price Contract (Special Notice)
- Anticipated Awardee: University of Vermont, UVM Extension
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source)
- Period of Performance: Base Year 9/30/2026 – 9/29/2027, with four option years extending to 9/29/2031.
- Place of Performance: University of Vermont Extension – NECAFS, Bennington, VT; Participating farms in the Northeast; Annual meeting at FDA OAMT, Laurel, MD.
- Response Due: April 3, 2026, by 3:00 PM EST
- Published: March 23, 2026
Key Tasks and Deliverables
- Kick-Off Meeting (within 7 days of award)
- Research Plan submission (within 30 days of award)
- Execution of Research Plan (sampling, analysis, reporting)
- Stakeholder Meetings (ad hoc virtual, one annual in-person)
- Quarterly Progress Reports
- Final Report and 1-2 peer-reviewed publications
Additional Notes
This notice is for public information regarding the FDA's intent to award a sole source contract. While not a competitive solicitation, any party believing they can meet the requirement may submit a written capability statement for review. Subcontracting indirect costs are capped at NECAFS's 25.7% rate, and annual travel costs are limited to $2,500. No government-furnished property will be provided. Responses should be emailed to Hilda Aryeh at hilda.aryeh@fda.hhs.gov.